Salt Pool Calculator
Calculate salt requirements for new pools, conversion from chlorine, and maintenance dosing
Calculate Initial Salt Needed
Salt Water Pool Basics
How Salt Systems Work
Salt (NaCl) → Electrolysis → Chlorine + Sodium Hypochlorite → Sanitization
Advantages
Softer water, no chlorine smell, consistent sanitization, less handling of chemicals
Considerations
Higher upfront cost, salt cells need replacement, potential for corrosion, pH tends to rise
Salt Level Guide
Maintenance Tips
- • Test salt monthly with digital tester or strips
- • Clean salt cell every 3 months (or per manufacturer)
- • Maintain pH between 7.2-7.8 (salt pools tend to drift high)
- • Keep stabilizer (CYA) between 30-50 ppm
- • Shock periodically with non-chlorine shock
- • Add salt after heavy rain or significant water loss
Salt pool calculator FAQs
How much salt does my pool need?
Most salt chlorinator systems target 3,200 ppm. A typical 15,000-gallon pool needs about 500 lbs (225 kg) of pool-grade salt to go from zero — the calculator above gives the exact figure for your volume.
How do I convert a chlorine pool to salt?
Balance the water, install a salt chlorine generator, add the salt dose from this calculator, run the pump 24 hours to dissolve it, verify the level, then start the cell at low output. Use the Convert tab for a step-by-step plan.
What salt level should a salt pool hold?
2,700–3,400 ppm is ideal for most systems; check your cell manufacturer's range. Below 2,500 ppm the cell stops producing chlorine, above 4,000 ppm efficiency drops and warranty limits may apply.
How often do I add salt?
Salt doesn't burn off — it leaves only when water does (backwash, splash-out, rain overflow, winter draining). Test monthly and top up after heavy rain or water loss; most pools need a bag or two per season.
What kind of salt should I use?
Pool-grade (solar or evaporated) salt with no additives — never table salt, rock salt with anti-caking agents, or driveway salt. Look for "pure, 99%+ sodium chloride" on the bag.